Dozens of local government officials, community leaders and residents gathered last month for the formal ground breaking of the Riverview 14 Shopping and Entertainment Center, located between the Gibsonton Walmart Supercenter and Interstate 75.

The 30-acre entertainment, retail and restaurant development scheduled for opening in the summer of 2016, will be anchored by Riverview 14 GDX, a state of the art 14-screen movie theater, operated by Goodrich Quality Theaters based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

According to Goodrich Chief Operations Officer Martin Betz, the theater will feature “GDX” (Giant Digital eXperience), the company’s cutting-edge large format auditorium, with a giant 80-ft.-wide screen allowing floor-to-ceiling viewing. The screens will range in size from 40-ft. to more than 70-ft. wide in a nearly 70,000 sq.-ft. upscale building.

Betz said that the all-digital projection theater will feature recliners and reserved seating in every auditorium, along with the latest technology and amenities including premium Dolby Atmos sound systems, a spacious lobby, multiple box offices, plus self-serve ticket counters and a massive concession stand with self-serve drink refill stations.

The theater will also include a 100-seat restaurant off the lobby with food, beer and wine options.

“We’ve really worked hard to make it a wonderful family experience with something for everyone,” said Betz.

Theatre goers will also have a chance to take advantage of several businesses joining the project, including Zaxby’s Chicken restaurant, Dunkin’ Donuts and a T-Mobile store.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White also praised the project.

“The developers have clearly seen a need here, and believed that this was a great location and venture,” White said. “I wish them the best.”